Varicose veins, as diagnosed by Vascular Surgeon in Lahore, needs surgical and medical therapy for management. In the initial phase of disease, some home remedies are helpful in decreasing the appearance and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Read on to know more about home remedies for relief of varicose veins:

What are varicose veins?

The enlarged, twisted veins visible to the naked eye are called varicosities. These varicosities are the result of dilated superficial veins of the leg when the connections to the deep veins are blocked. Commonly, veins of the legs are affected, however, any region of the body may be involved.

Varicose veins cause pain and discomfort, along with swelling of the muscles. Itching is common with varicosities when patients stand for a long time, or wear constricted clothing. Additionally, patient complain of skin discoloration and muscle cramping. Apart from these symptoms caused by varicose veins, they are a cosmetic concern for the patient. 

What are the complications of varicose veins?

Varicose veins present with the following complications:

Bleeding may occur if there is too much swelling, consequently causing the superficial veins to burst.

Blood clots that occur varicose veins can occasionally enlarge to a size that impairs movement and causes swelling. This condition—known as thrombophlebitis—needs immediate medical attention.

Ulcers are another complication of the varicose veins due to stasis of blood. These ulcers are often painful and located on the ankles. 

Home remedies for varicose veins:

1.    Compression stockings

Knee-high compression stockings apply pressure on the veins to aid movement of the blood towards the heart. Studies show that use of compression stockings in people with varicose veins causes less pain and discomfort. Compression stockings are available over-the-counter at many pharmacies.

2.    Dietary changes

Eating foods rich in salt and sodium retain water in the blood vessels, and worsens swelling and stasis of blood. This water retention can be dealt with by eating potassium-rich foods, including lentils and white beans, leafy vegetables, fish like tuna and salmon, almonds and pistachios, and potatoes.

The other dietary change mandated for such patients is the increase of fiber in the diet. Straining, in case of constipation, worsens damaged valves and the consequent swelling. 

3.    Exercise

In people with varicosities, losing weight and working out is helpful in improving circulation and pushing blood along with vessels. The additional benefit of losing weight is lowering blood pressure, which may contribute to worsening stasis and varicosities. Low-impact exercises like yoga, cycling, walking and swimming are helpful for this purpose, as they work-out the calf muscles. 

4.    Massage

Varicosities can also improve with gentle massaging of the calf muscles and legs. Using this technique, optimal effects can be achieved over time. However, veins must not be pressed directly, as that may damage the fragile tissue. Massaging, along with exercising and losing weight is quite helpful in relieving acute pain and pressure of varicosities.

5.    Keeping the legs elevated

Elevation of the legs, at the level of, or above the heart also prevents stasis of blood in the legs. It reduces pressure on the veins of the leg and helps in the circulation back to the heart.

Alternatively, people who keep sitting for long periods of time have more swelling and varicosities due to gravity-induced stasis of blood. Prolonged sitting is also a reason why people with desk jobs have a higher incidence of varicose veins. Such people should take scheduled breaks and practice leg elevation.

Along with home remedies, experts like Vascular Surgeon in Islamabad perform in-hospital procedures like phlebectomy—removing veins through small slits, ligation, and endoscopic vein surgery to treat varicose veins.